Here are a few things I’ve been meaning to mention / share / give away.
I will no doubt think of four more things as soon as I post this, but I’m gonna go ahead and run with what I have.
Clearly I am very zany and devil-may-care-ish.
Except not.
— In light of all the marriage talk around here, I’ve been thinking about this excellent post on marriage by Edie. Chock-full-o-wisdom, hope, and truth.
— It took us over a month, but we have finally settled on our favorite of all the K-Cups.
Newman’s Own Special Blend – Medium Roast, Extra Bold
I bought a big ole box because they were so much cheaper in bulk. And oh, we will enjoy the fire out of them.
— So. This year’s Allume conference is October 23-25 in Greenville, SC, and I am so excited to be speaking. I am also mildly terrified, but we won’t talk about that part right now because DENIAL. Anyway, I know that several of y’all have been to Allume before, so if you’re going again in October – or if you’re planning to go for the first time – be sure to let me know. Tickets go on sale March 1st.
— Melanie probably won’t tell you this, so I will. Tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon from 3-4 central she’s going to be a guest on Chris Fabry Live. You can listen online or find a local station (it’s on WLJR 88.5 here in Birmingham). I enjoy Chris Fabry’s show so much, and I have a feeling that he and Melanie are going to be fast friends.
— I will not play Flappy Bird. I will not play Flappy Bird. I will not play Flappy Bird.
— This morning I wrote on the very last page of this journal.
It has been a delight and a joy, and I will miss it terribly.
Also: I may be a smidge over-invested as far as my journals are concerned.
— This is a show that’s fun again.
— Every couple of months I land on a new book that I read very slowly in the mornings. My friend Anne actually got me into this habit, and I’ve realized that when I’ve finished my quiet time and the house is still quiet and I’m drinking coffee, I love reading a few pages from something that’s thoughtful and helps me ease into the day (I wouldn’t have been able to do this in my younger years because 1) early morning and 2) SLEEP). Here are a couple of books that I highly recommend for early-morning reading (or whenever reading, for that matter):


I have two copies of each book to give away, so if you’d like to win either of these, just leave a comment on this post. I’ll draw for winners Friday night.
Happy Thursday, y’all!
This giveaway is now closed. Winners will be notified ASAP.
Thank you for a chance to win one of these books. I’d be thrilled to receive one. I’m new to your blog and absolutely love it :)
I have been wanting to purchase these books! Just finished Angie Smiths book Chasing God.THANK-YOU for this giveaway!!!!!
Delightful!!
Well, why not? I love me the random AND books!
Flappy Birds?!?! What in the world?
Thanks for the giveaway!
I’d love to win either book. Thanks for the chance.
(I’ve not seen one episode of American Idol yet this season, I kind of got burned out after all the others, but this year may suck me back in). :)
I’d love a new book!
Early morning reader also. Still love the feel of the pages of a good book.
I want to win! I can always use a good read!
They both sound like great books!
Either please! Thank you!
I would love to enjoy those great reads ;)
Sophie, thanks for blogging and sharing you are a blessing.
How nice of you!
I, too, enjoy a calm start in the morning. Thanks for a chance to win!
I love to read!
Pick me!
I have seen the book “God is Able” and I would really like to win it! I enjoy your blog so much! It always makes my day!
Both of those books look interesting. Would live either one.
I would love either one!
I’m an early morning reader too! Would love to read either of these!
I would love to win one of these and have a book to read when I finish Melanie’s. As always, thank you for the fun giveaway!
Both books are on my to read list. Love the idea of savoring a few pages at a time
Love to read good books that are encouraging!
both look interesting
As an avid reader, either would be a joy!
Would love to win!
So sweet of you to give books away. They both look great. Glad you survived last week. I also had to sleep on floor at work, then had to walk up Hugh Daniel Drive, in a dress and cute little shoes, to get to the other side of that mountain. We could write a book with everyone’s story. I loved how everyone was helping total strangers. Southerners at their best.
Hope it’s me!
Yes please.
My husband love’s Newman’s Special Blend. I picked up 54 cups at Walmart (I left of “the and -s, I know) for $25. It was cheaper than ordering from Keurig with a discount. I have a feeling I’ll be dropping by to snatch up more.
Allume is in my neck of the woods this year. Thanks for the reminder. I would so love to go!
I didn’t even know what Flappy Bird was.
I love Edie. I love Katie Daisy. And I am so happy to see American Idol go back to what it was meant to be. Yay for Harry, Keith and Jennifer!
I’d love to win Tsh’s book, but I love Priscilla, too.
I’m just full of love this morning.
Thanks for the chance!
I love your blog! it makes me smile!
I love give aways!! I gave my mom your book for Christmas and she loved it. I tried to tell her about your blog, but I don’t think she understands what I’m talking about!
I love me some Harry Connick Jr.!
Now that my ‘baby’ is 2 1/2, I need to take more time to read, and this is an excellent idea!
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, like a great book…..it relaxes me.
I would love one! Thank you.
I would love to start this routine in the morning. it might bring greater joy to my day.
Great giveaway!
I am seriously considering setting the alarm a bit earlier and attempt to read……a calm start can only improve the rest of the day.
Agree-both look good.
I have been trying to get into the habit of carving out some quiet time every morning. It really does make a difference in my day.
Love the intentional living…..
would enjoy reading either one of those books. Thanks.
LOVE Priscilla!!! Also, have you tried the Southern pecan kcup. LOVE it!
Always love a good book recommendation, many thanks!
Going to try the coffee and would love the books to read…..
Love your blog.
Would love either of these books…….and a suggestion for you or anyone else out there in cyber space….pick up a copy of The Designer Bag at the Garbage Dump – it is Christian fiction but oh my! This book has impacted me like no other before…..in fact our group is doing a Bible Study on it right now…..that’s how impactful (is that a real word?) this book is.
Thanks for this giveaway of books!
Yes, please. I so appreciate your blog for many reasons and one is how you let us know about interesting books, videos, TV shows, favorites of yours, etc. Many thanks for all your writings.
I love the idea of early morning reading!! Wonder if I can make that happen!
I like the idea of a slow reflective start to the morning. I think that is a habit I should pick up!
I love to read in the morning quiet. Happy Thursday!
I wants them. And some K-cups ;)
Count me in, please. Both look interesting!
Both books sound wonderful!
Really would love to read Tsh’s book.
Would love to read these!
I would love a chance to win! Thanks!
It would be a blessing to win either of the books.
Fun giveaway.
I am hoping to make it to Allume this year. I live in Spartanburg just north of Greenville. I wanted to go last year but I was big pregnant and didn’t think it was the best choice. You know, because nothing like your water breaking to ruin a good conference. :-)
I’d love to read either of those books, though I’ve already had my eye on Blue Bike! :)
Newman’s coffee is my favorite too.
I have both of those books on my to-read list.
I’m always looking for a good book. Thank you!
love the books, love the journal and love the coffee recommendation! I’ll be going to pick some of that up today as we are just about out of coffe and are in need of something new and BOLD :) because SLEEPY
I have both of these books in my Amazon Wish List, so I’d love to win one. Also, Tsh Oxenreider is going to be near my town, and I’m hoping to go have her autograph a copy! Thanks for this opportunity!
I have never read either one of those books, so please enter me in the giveaway! Also, after much trial and error I have decided that my favorite of all the K-Cups is Starbucks French Roast. It is so flavorful and I look forward to it every morning! :)
I’d really love to win! You’re the best!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to slowly (or quickly) read both of those books! Also, I wish I had that journal cover as a big print for my kitchen. Love it!
I have been searching for a new quiet time book. Would love either of these!
always love a book recommendation. just spent too much at our cozy little neighborhood bookstore.
are you doing jon acuff’s empty shelf challenge? he is btw, how i found your blog, lo these many years ago.
thanks for the giveaway!
love priscilla!
I want to win these books!
So excited to read Tsh’s new book!
Love your ramblings! Since I freely admit I have a book problem, why not add a couple more to the ever growing collection?!?! fingers crossed…
Looks like two books that I should read!
I’d be happy with either one!
These books sound great!
Haven’t read either of those and would love to!
Just finished Angie Smith’s Chasing God….AMAZING! Still processing and trying to just focus on Him and be with Him instead of my usual “check list” quiet time….
Yes, pretty please!
I’m doing Priscilla’s Discerning God study right now, actually. Love her. Thanks!
Both books sound terrific!
Yes, please I would love to read either of those. Thank you kindly.
Thank you for the chance!
I too get overly attached to my journals. I’m sad to see them go, but am usually so excited about starting in the next cute one I have lined up. I understand your emotion. Thanks for the chance at some new reading material.
I could use a good read! And I sure like the idea of just reading a few pages at a time. Seems like I don’t do much reading lately, because TOO MUCH TO DO, so this is such a clever tactic.
Love ya, Sophie. Thanks for the giveaway.
I love to read in the early morning. It’s such a peaceful way to start the day.
Would love to win the book.. Thanks for the giveaway.
Love your blog and your book- can’t wait for the next one!
Kim J
I’d like a copy for my wife!
I am a new Keurig junkie and will have to try that one. Also, I am a serious book nerd, but haven’t acquired either of those yet and they are both definitely on my “want” list. Although, I did finish Melanie’s book last night and oh the laughter over so many things. I’m still laughing about the space shuttle heat proof attic.
Would love to win a new book. Pick me!
I would be grateful to receive one of these books!
Yes, either is desperately needed to help maintain sanity in this winter of 2014…(smile)
Both books look good.
I’m from Greenville, you will love the downtown area!If you need any suggestion where to eat let me know..We could meet up for lunch…lol just kidding because going to lunch with a stranger wouldn’t be weird at all!! Love your blog
Always love a good book!
So fun! I went to UT with Tsh (Hook ’em, Horns!) and she is precious! Love seeing all of her success!!
Oh I would love one of these!! You always recommend wonderful books!
Thanks for doing this giveaway! Would love to win them.